Judging the "nose" of the Vette can sometimes lead to issues... this "all-too-goss" scrape came at the hands of a parking "bumper"... it's hard to forget the sound of this one. Any ideas on how to play it "down" some ?... I generally don't it, but then again I've become use to it. Other than going to a body shop anyone have any ideas ?

 

Hmmm, if it were me, I would first mask it as close to the damage as possible and then rattle can it back to color, then possibly a coat of rock chip texture stuff that is clear. That will make it look intentional instead of a cover up. Another possibility is a front spoiler.


By the way, I am working on an idea that will really help protect the nose, but I can't share yet. I want to get a proto made first.

 

Airbrush

 

A good body shop should be able to match it that low.

 

This might be the best 'inexpensive way' to solve your probem...just noticed a nice sized scratch on my door, pissed me off too, because i'm pretty sure i did not do it.. http://www.drcolorchip.com/

 

I would first try some mild polishing compound, then move to something heavier if needed. You may be able to make most of that disappear. Or talk to a body shop/detailer about buffing it some. You may end up being okay.

 

No amount of polish sanding or compound will make that red again... because it is so low.. the best and easiest way to make this disappear is to go the the dealer and get a spray can ordered.. it will take a week code 70 U... . 12 to 15 dollars ...once you get the paint put some protective newspaper above the scratch area.. do not use a complete tape line.. only tape the news paper on the ends, ideally you will get alittle over spray under the newspaper it will help to feather it out.. before you paint the scratches, use some 400 wet dry, you also want to remove any waxes, you can get some precleano or similar product at any store that sells automotive paint..so precleano first , sand with 380 or 400 wetndry.. precleano again then newspaper to protect the area above the scratches but do not use a tape line where the scratches are located.. paint lightly.. very lightly... wait 20 minutes, spay lightly again. wait 20 minutes and spray a third time.. let it completely dry over 48 hours.. use some 1500 and 2000 wet n dry.. then some polishing compound.. it will disappear.. if it were higher I would have a shop do that...a few days after you do it yourself , you wont even remember it ever being there.. just remember you want to 400 sand a few inches above the scratches, and this is where you want to put the newspaper so the paint bond well where the sanding has been performed..it will mechanically adhere to the sanded finish.

 

I have some "scuffs" like that on my Formula, same thing, stupid parking bumper except that car is lowered. I use that turtle wax red wax and it hides it pretty well for a month or so. I know its not a Corvette but it works but I'm not sure if you can still buy it. Pep Boys was the last place I saw it.

 

This is how I do it, too. Works like a charm. Just take your time, don't rush -- and spray above (at least) 65 degrees air temperature. A few final light coats of "clear" will lessen your workload. A fun, cost-effective project and the scrapes will disappear for under $30 in materials. Enjoy!

 

Had the same thing happen on the lower edge of my 07 Mustang GT. Fortunately it has a lip that protrudes about a quarter inch which provides a good clean break to use for masking. I used a palm sander with 320 paper to sand down the curb rash, then followed with 400. I put the car on jack stands then masked the area off and used two different shades of dupli-color spray paint to get the color right. It took two cans of each shade to complete the project. The other thing I had going for me was that the angle of this bumper lip tapers slightly backward so it is always in a shadowed area. Like others have said here, take your time and don't rush. My thought was that I'd tackle the project myself first, and if I wasn't satisfied with the results I could always take it to a shop. I invested two afternoons in the repair and it looks just fine.

 

Damn.....that is so good I had to copy it out to a file....just the facts....Thx

 

You are the first person to ever say something like that to me

 

GM Nose Mask/BRA to cover it

Thanks,Matt

 

Great info, E-T. I too am going to save this info for possible later use.

 

Plenty of suggestions above so I won't get into that BUT may I suggest you get into the habit of backing into parking spots with your C5.

 

Put a bra over it!!!!

 

Thanks for the help with this, to help remind me to back into parking spots I've decided to have all of my forward gears removed !

 

I had a few scrapes on mine which is black,went to Pep Boys and found some Turtle wax Black wax,covered it up beautifully,I think they make it in other colors also,if you want to go cheap,otherwise do as Evil twin says and do it right.

 

I would agree with that to a point. I for one have an issue with bra to cover things however because I get lazy and before I know it the bra's been on the car for 6 months and that always seems to lead to other issues for me.

 

Thanks E-T for the great write up!